Joss Whedon Takes Over ‘Justice League’ Post-Production

In the wake of a family tragedy, Justice League director Zack Snyder and his wife Deborah Snyder, the film’s producer, are stepping away from the project.

In an article from The Hollywood Reporter, it was written that they would be focusing on the healing of their family. Following the passing of his 20 year old daughter in March, Snyder hoped to throw himself into his work, saying in an interview that, “In my mind, I thought it was a cathartic thing to go back to work, to just bury myself and see if that was the way through it…The demands of this job are pretty intense. It is all-consuming. And in the last two months, I’ve come to the realization … I’ve decided to take a step back from the movie to be with my family, be with my kids, who really need me. They are all having a hard time. I’m having a hard time.”

While the family had intended to keep her death private, when Snyder realized he couldn’t go to England to do reshoots he basically stated that he knew he had to get ahead of certain “narratives” on the internet.

People have given Snyder quite a bit of flack as a filmmaker and, sadly, if a full reasoning hadn’t been given for his leaving then who knows what awful things people would saying. Since the news broke, a number of critics and fans on social media have taken to prefacing their back-handed condolences with how much they don’t like Snyder or his work. If you feel sorry just say so and keep it moving.

The Snyders insisted that the film stay on track for it’s November 17 release date and with Joss Whedon (The Avengers) on board everything is set to go.

Initially, Snyder had brought Whedon on to help with writing in post as they were going to add some scenes after screening a rough cut of the film. Now officially roped into the project in a greater capacity, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator will be finishing the film.

While it is said that Snyder has a set template and style that will be adhered to, I’m still curious about the type of additional scenes Whedon had been tasked to write. Judging by the trailers and the observations that have come out of set visits, Justice League will have more moments of tonal levity than the grittier Batman v Superman.

Whedon has his own distinctive, often humorous, writing style. The way in which he constructs dialogue will be a good look for some of the character interactions that I’m looking forward to.

photo courtesy: hollywoodrepublican.net

Whedon is also slated to directed a Batgirl film in the near future so bringing him on early will be a test for him as he transitions into the DCEU. While doing press for Avengers: Age of Ultron back in 2015, Whedon seemingly shot himself in the foot with some comments that he made about the stress he was under and what scenes he fought to keep. At the time, he also expressed great interest in doing a DC film.

Well, ask and you shall receive.

My heart goes out to the Snyder family. I have great faith in the DC camp and eagerly await the premiere of Justice League in November.